Dec 24 • Stefan Gauci Scicluna

What HR Really Wants From eLearning Providers in 2026

As organisations head into 2026, HR teams are under more pressure than ever before. They are expected to attract talent, onboard faster, ensure compliance, support upskilling, and improve retention - often with limited time and resources. In this context, eLearning is no longer viewed as a support tool. It has become a strategic necessity.

And with that shift comes a clear change in expectations.

1. Learning that solves real workplace problems

HR teams are no longer interested in large libraries of generic courses that look impressive but rarely get used. What they want is learning that addresses specific, everyday challenges - onboarding new hires, managing change, meeting compliance requirements, and helping people perform better in their roles.

In 2026, eLearning must be practical, relevant, and easy to apply from day one.

2. Clear structure and measurable outcomes

HR leaders are increasingly asked to show impact. This means they expect eLearning providers to design programmes with clear objectives and visible outcomes.

This includes:

Defined learning goals

Content aligned to job roles

Progress tracking and completion data

Training that cannot be explained, measured, or justified quickly loses its value internally.
3. Flexible learning that fits modern work

Hybrid and remote working are now firmly established. HR teams need learning that adapts to different environments, time zones, and schedules without creating friction.

This means:

Short, modular content

Mobile-friendly access

Easy updates when policies or regulations change

Flexibility is not an extra - it is the standard.

4. Strong onboarding experiences that reduce early churn

One of HR’s biggest priorities going into 2026 is improving early employee experience. A well-designed onboarding programme reduces uncertainty, speeds up confidence, and creates consistency across teams.

eLearning plays a central role here by:

Supporting managers

Reinforcing company values

Giving new hires clarity from the start

Onboarding is no longer just an introduction. It is a retention strategy.

5. Providers who understand HR, not just content

Perhaps most importantly, HR teams want eLearning providers who understand how HR works. They value partners who recognise compliance pressures, internal approvals, limited time, and the need for credibility at board level.

At Auren Institute, our focus is on building learning that fits into real organisational systems - not adding complexity.

In 2026, HR isn’t looking for more content.
They’re looking for better learning, better partners, and better results.

Looking to have a chat about this or continue the conversation? Find me on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefangauciscicluna/

Stefan Gauci Scicluna
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